Blissfield, Michigan

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Blissfield, Michigan
settlement_type = Village
nickname =
motto =

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

imagesize =
image_caption =


image_

---

mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Blissfield, Michigan


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Michigan
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Lenawee

government_footnotes =
government_type =
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
established_title =
established_date =

area_footnotes =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 5.5
area_land_km2 = 5.5
area_water_km2 = 0.0
area_total_sq_mi = 2.1
area_land_sq_mi = 2.1
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 3224
population_density_km2 = 587.1
population_density_sq_mi = 1520.7

timezone = Eastern (EST)
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 210
elevation_ft = 689
latd = 41 |latm = 49 |lats = 57 |latNS = N
longd = 83 |longm = 51 |longs = 52 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 49228
area_code = 517
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 26-09000GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0621593 [gnis|0621593]
website =
footnotes =

Blissfield is a village in Lenawee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,223 at the 2000 census. The village is located within Blissfield Township.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.5 km²), of which, 2.1 square miles (5.5 km²) of it is land and 0.47% is water.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 3,223 people, 1,319 households, and 903 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,520.7 per square mile (587.0/km²). There were 1,388 housing units at an average density of 654.9/sq mi (252.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 96.59% White, 0.06% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 2.61% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.14% of the population.

There were 1,319 households out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the village the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,438, and the median income for a family was $48,964. Males had a median income of $37,218 versus $25,069 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,255. About 6.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Local Culture

The annual River Raisin Festival is held at Ellis Park in downtown Blissfield during mid-July. Activities include the Miss River Raisin Contest, carnival rides and games, arts and crafts vendors, a large variety of food, a softball tournament, a car show, tractor pulls, and a beer tent.

Blissfield is known for having many antique stores in the downtown district. Vintage items range from jewelry to furniture to baseball cards to slot machines, and much more.

The Hathaway House and Main Street Stables offer a fine dining experiences with unique character. This 19th century Hathaway House restaurant occupies a Greek Revival-style mansion, with rooms restored to their original elegant decor. Menu items include steak, chicken, roasted duckling with Traverse City cherry sauce, and potato-crusted walleye. For private parties, large groups can request a single room to themselves. The Stables offers a less-pricey, dressed-down alternative with just as much flavor. Located behind the Hathaway House, the atmosphere has a rustic feel set off by the glow of oil-lamps. Menu favorites include fried lake perch, barbecue ribs, and burgers. [http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/ART12/703290323]

Another favorite attraction is the Murder Mystery Dinner Train operated by the Adrian and Blissfield Railroad. While enjoying a leisurely 12-mile trip through the countryside, a five course meal is served as actors and actresses perform a comical, and interactive murder mystery.

Blissfield is also home to the Blissfield Model Railroad Club, a non-profit organization in downtown Blissfield. The 2300 square foot HO scale model railroad has over 1,500 feet of mainline track on two levels. The BMRC is a group of enthusiastic model railroaders who are actively working on building and operating a large model railroad which represents the northern extremity of the Clinchfield Railroad and the connecting C&O Railroad.

The Ellis Inn Bed & Breakfast occupies an 1883 Italianate brick home, and located across from the Hathaway House. Bedrooms are furnished with the finest period antiques, and offer private baths and cable television.

High School Sports

Blissfield High School is the home of the Royals. Most known as a perennial baseball powerhouse with seven state titles, many other sports have had also been very successful. Girls cross country has dominated their league and had strong showings in state meets for much of the past two decades. The girls volleyball team has seen success, recently winning their first state title. Also in recent years, the football team has turned around their program to become an annual playoff contender, including an appearance in the 2007 state finals.

To round out the sports line-up, Blissfield High School also fields Varsity teams in boys and girls soccer, boys cross country, boys and girls basketball, girls competitive cheer, boys and girls track, boys wrestling, and girls softball.

History

During World War II, 16 German POWs, who were working on a sugar beet farm near Blissfield, were killed in an accident when their truck collided with a train as they were returning to Fort Custer. They are now buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery where they, along with ten of their comrades, remain the only members of another nation's armed forces who are buried in a US National Cemetery.

According to local legend, Blissfield was home to the first set of Triple Bridges in the world. These three bridges stood directly next to each other and crossed the River Raisin to accommodate train and vehicular travel. Throughout time, the two vehicular bridges were replaced with one. Recently though, a pedestrian bridge was erected to restore the heritage of the Triple Bridges.

Transportation

Major highways

References

External links

* [http://www.blissfieldmichigan.gov/ Official Village of Blissfield site]
* [http://www.blissfieldchamber.org/ Blissfield Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.blissfielddda.com/ Blissfield Downtown Development Authority]
* [http://www.blissfield.net/ Blissfield Area Business & Tourism Directory]
* [http://www.blissfieldschools.us/ Blissfield High School]
* [http://www.lenawee.mi.us/ Lenawee County government site]
* [http://www.visitlenawee.com/ Lenawee County Conference & Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.lenaweehistory.com/ Complete text of "History of Lenawee County" published in 1909 by the Western Historical Society]
* [http://www.hathawayhouse.com/index.htm Hathaway House]